Among Thieves: A Tale of the Kin

Not bad at all.

I am naturally suspicious of books that center around a "criminal underworld" element. It's probably unfair to some really good writers out there who love writing about thieves (or assassins), but I've found it's an excellent tool for cutting down on the number of bad books I read. In general I avoid fantasy books that borrow a big part of their setting from something that's overdone, because it's usually a sign the book is written by a bad author trying to hide their lousy writing with a bunch of flash, or a new author who isn't secure in their own narrative voice.

Thus I started reading this book with tensed shoulders, waiting for the author to trip up and write something insanely stupid. That didn't happen. Sure, there are a few things that I think Hulick could polish, but there was nothing in this book that made me just want to set it down and walk away (which has happened before). What actually happened was the inverse. It took me about 150 pages, but I this book eventually drew me in, despite my resistance. The book improved in quality towards the end. The author's note indicated that Hulick wrote this book over several years (and in between much of his life) and I noticed the improvement in his writing. I look forward to Douglas Hulick's next book.

3 out of 6 people found this review helpful.

A fantastic read!

After just completing the Ranger's Apprentice series i went on the hunt for something new and something fresh. I was tired of the predictable story lines from all of the "teen-reads" and wanted something that could really get me thinking, without it being insanely difficult to understand. I picked this up, expecting predictable but interesting and was surprised to find it was the opposite. (Not on the interesting part at least.) I was a little taken back by the extensive use of swearing but was so intrigued by this story i kept reading.And i'm really glad i did. I absolutely loved how it was a world all in its own, using phrases and words and names that were different from what we're used to. It really brings out the sense of a new world and of a new adventure, filled with lies, broken promises and betrayal. So pick up this book and read it! You won't regret it.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

The one thing that this book really has going for it is pacing..

The one thing that this book really has going for it is pacing...and that's really about it. The characters are developed well enough, I guess, but few are sympathetic and sometimes they're behavior a little questionable. The "cant" that the criminals use is a very slim vocabulary even though the author left a note at the beginning about it, making it seem as if it were everywhere, and some is not explained, while most of it sounds like kid talk. The tropes he uses for this fantasy world with a criminal element within a great imperial city are very cliched. (Really, that's what tropes are, but there's doing it right and not doing it right and Hulick fell in the latter.) Some of the actions that came as surprises weren't explained as soon as I would have liked, either. But despite all that the plot still wasn't bad and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I'd like to see where this goes, but without major improvements in the author's writing ability, I won't read past his next book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is, far and above, the best book I've read in YEARS. I can

This is, far and above, the best book I've read in YEARS. I can honestly say it's become my new most favorite. When I found out that "Among Thieves" was Hulick's first foray into writing, I was utterly astounded. If you like fast paced stories with quick witted characters, you're doing yourself a disservice if you don't pick it up.

The story follows a criminal character more fleshed out than most, not wholly good nor evil, but much more believable for not being so cookie cutter. The plot is fast paced with well written action where the author's knowledge of period weaponry really shines, detailing out not just how the scene unfolds but also why. The language of the book is littered with various Thieve's Cant and mafioso terms that are quickly picked up on by the reader making for a unique read that also helps to accentuate the slowly rotting underbelly of the city it all takes place in.

The setting is what's commonly referred to as 'dark' or 'low' fantasy, in that while magic exists and it's a medieval era of a different world map, it's realistic, gritty, lacking in elves or dwarves or orcs, etc. Even the magic that does exist is kept relatively downplayed. Otherwise look forward to a fast paced romp through an imperial city reminiscent of ancient Rome, visiting its seedier portions while on the dodge from enemies both known and unknown, trying to figure out what's going on and stop it before a gang war tears the city apart. Give it a chance, and I promise you'll be thoroughly impressed, immersed in a place and people you can't wait to read about more!

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent read.

Enjoyed every minute of this book.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Brilliant Fight Scenes, Compelling Twists, and Brilliant Language

Douglas Hulick's debut leaps into the genre territory recently occupied by Joe Abercrombie, Scott Lynch, and others. Hulick's world is filled with thieves, liars, traitors and toughs, with overlapping and conflicting agendas. Drothe is his crime boss' version of Internal Affairs, paid to keep tabs on other members of The Kin, the criminal underwold in Ildrecca. He gets caught up in a turf war between former allies and winds up in possession of an artifact that could topple empires.

The things I find most striking about this book are the way that the thieves' cant suffuses the entire novel and the fight scenes. Hulick has mentioned that Among Thieves was born when he found a dictionary of thieves' cant, and the love for language is evident throughout the book. The cant phrases are peppered through the book, building up gradually until I'm happily reading entire passages that are neck-deep in cant like I've been reading it for a year. The other biggest standout for me is the fencing. Hulick studies renaissance martial arts, and his knowledge is well-showcased here. The fights are well-choreagraphed and cinema-clear.

For readers who enjoy a gritty fantasy, con artists and/or fencing, Among Thieves is a fantastic ride that delivers every step of the way. I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Fun, fast, and dark

The best part of this book is the quality of the mastery and adventure. The author keeps you guessing down a twisted trail of clues and epic sword fights, all against a backdrop of clever banter and snarky humor. Not a horribly deep or metaphorical read, it has the engrossing, escapist prose perfect for a dreary afternoon and a glass of wine.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent Book

One of the best books I've read, it is fantastic. A total must read.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Worth the time.

Definitely a good read.

Excellent weekend read

The book started somewhat slow but progressed quickly and ended quite well. The main character Drothe never seems to get a break and right when you think he's out of the fray, something new jumps right at him! Lots of twists and a few hints if your paying attention. Overall it was a great book but could have used a little more elaboration throughout on some particular sections.

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